Don't blame Caterpillar

As a long-time employee of Caterpillar Inc., I am offended by the blame
attributed to this world-class company for the death of Rachel Corrie in
Gaza. This is not the first time over the past several years that such an
allegation has been lodged against Caterpillar, which for 80 years has been
producing heavy equipment to help develop the world’s infrastructure on
every continent. The company has been clear and swift in reiterating its
position against terrorism of any sort.

Yes, Caterpillar can account for sales of its products to end-users, but it
cannot and should not be held accountable for the use or final destination
of equipment. Sadly, there are those who would manipulate the use of
well-intended equipment for their own self-serving and destructive goals.

Don’t blame Caterpillar for the death of Ms. Corrie. Divesting shares of
Caterpillar because of Corrie’s death is wrong-headed; if you want a say in
the company’s operations, remain a shareholder and keep your right to vote
as such on company matters. Instead, eye those who used the equipment
destructively.